Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which run on the shell of MIUI or the new HyperOS, are complex computing systems that can accumulate software errors over time. Users often face situations when the device starts to work unstable, slow down or consume battery power faster than usual. In such cases, the most effective solution is to return to the original state of the system, which allows you to eliminate software conflicts and clean up memory from garbage.
Known as Hard Reset, the procedure completely removes all user data, including contacts, photos, installed apps and personal settings.This is a radical but often necessary step before selling a gadget, transferring it to another owner or trying to revive a “hang” device.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the options available to return to factory settings, look at the nuances of working with a Google account and Mi Account, and discuss precautions. You will learn to reset through the settings menu and using buttons on the switched-off device, which is especially true if the screen does not respond to touch or the system does not boot.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
Before you start the active phase of erasure, you need to perform a number of critical preparatory actions. Ignoring this stage can lead to the loss of valuable data or lock the device security systems. The first step is to create a complete backup of all important information using cloud services or local storage.
Mi Cloud account holders can sync contacts, notes, voice recordings and photos directly through system settings. For heavier files such as videos and document archives, it is recommended to use a computer or external drive. It is also worth checking the status of the Google account association, as this affects further activation.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Make sure the battery level is at least 50-60%. The process of formatting the system partition can take 10 to 30 minutes, and a sudden power outage at this point can damage the file system, turning the smartphone into a “brick.” If the device is unstable, it is better to connect it to the original charger before starting the operation.
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Before reset, force Google contacts to sync: Settings → Accounts → Google → Sync. This ensures that the phone book is saved.
Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (standard method)
The safest and most understandable way to get Xiaomi back to factory status is available right from the operating system, a method that is suitable for most users who plan to sell the phone or just want to start with a clean slate with full access to the interface.
To start, open the Settings app and scroll down to the very bottom of About Phone. In some versions of MIUI, the required section may be called Advanced Settings or be in the Additional menu, but the search logic remains the same. You need to find an option that contains the word Reset or Recover.
When you go to the recovery menu, the system will offer several options, we are interested in the item "Erase all data" (reset to factory settings), when you press it, the phone will warn about the consequences and ask for confirmation of action, PIN-unlock code or password, it will need to be entered to confirm the identity of the owner.
It is important to note the difference between the options Reset and Erase all data. The first option only returns the system parameters (sound, screen, network) to the original values, saving your files. The second option, Erase all data, performs full formatting, removing absolutely all the contents of the internal memory.
⚠️ Note: If the Find Device feature is activated on the phone, after the reset, the system will require you to enter a password from the Google or Mi Account account that was used earlier.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the smartphone does not turn on, freezes on the logo or the touch screen has stopped responding, the only way out is to use Recovery mode. This method allows you to reset at the hardware level, avoiding software errors of the operating system.
To enter Recovery mode, you need to turn the device off completely. Then press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold both keys until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume up until the Recovery menu appears.
The navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. Depending on the version of Recovery, the interface can be in English or Chinese, you need to find the Wipe Data or Clear Data item, select it and confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
What to do if the Recovery menu doesn’t appear?
Once confirmed, the system will alert you to the irreversibility of the action. Agree, and the formatting process will begin. Upon completion, the message "Data wiped successfully" will appear on the screen. To restart, select Reboot or Reboot to System. The first run may take longer than usual.
| Parameter | Through Settings. | Through Recovery. |
|---|---|---|
| Access to the menu is required | Yes. | No. |
| A working sensor | Mandatory. | No need. |
| Battery charge | Recommended >50% | Preferably >30% |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium |
Google FRP and Mi Account Protection
Modern Android security systems are equipped with FRP (Factory Reset Protection) mechanism, which prevents the use of the device after a reset by unauthorized persons. If you reset your phone but did not log out of your Google account beforehand, you will need to enter the username and password of the owner when you first activate it.
The same is true of Xiaomi’s ecosystem, where if you have enabled Find Device in your settings, your phone will lock without authorization in your Mi Account, which is not a bug or a virus, but a full-time theft protection that you can’t get around with simple reflashing without special knowledge.
To avoid problems, before resetting through the settings menu, follow the following steps:
- 🔑 Go to Settings. → Accounts and synchronization.
- 🔑 Select a Google account and click Delete your account.
- 🔑 Go to the Mi Account and log out of the system.
- 🔑 Turn off the lock screen (remove password, pattern lock).
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The only guaranteed way to avoid FRP blocking is to delete accounts from your phone’s settings before the reset procedure begins.
If the device is already reset and locked, you can only restore access with the help of your account information. In the case of buying a used phone without passwords, the only legal thing is to contact the previous owner or submit a purchase check to the service center.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Even with strict adherence to the instructions, there may be unexpected situations, most often users experience a cyclic bootloop, where the phone constantly shows the logo and does not load further, which may indicate that system files are damaged during the reset.
In this situation, forced reboot by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. If this does not help, you may need to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility. However, this is a more complex procedure that requires an unlocked bootloader.
Another common problem is the lack of network or Wi-Fi after a reset, often solved by simply resetting the date and time or resetting the network settings, and in rare cases, it may be necessary to update the firmware to the current version, as older versions of the software may conflict with new communication standards.
⚠️ Warning: If after reset, the phone heats up in the CPU area and discharges quickly at rest, there may have been damage to the cache partition.